BY BETH FEINSTEIN-BARTL
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
Imagine walking into a salon and choosing from an array of beauty professionals, each of whom has a private suite.
Marc Finer learned about the concept while on a trip to Cleveland and thought: Why not bring his own version to South Florida.
“I just flipped,” said Finer, about the salon in Ohio. “I thought it would be a win-win for everyone – the beauty professionals, the clients and me.
He scouted several shopping centers and settled on opening his SALONZ beauty suites inside the Sheridan Plaza, 4921 Sheridan Street, Hollywood.
The business, which opened in the fall, occupies a 5,000-square foot space that formerly housed a Washington Mutual Bank branch. The interior has been redesigned to accommodate 24 suites, 15 of which are filled by hairstylists, nail technicians, skin-care specialists, massage therapists, and one air-brush tanner, Finer said.
Each beauty professional rents his or her own suite. Finer acts as landlord.
“It allows them to have their own business,” he said.
Each suite comes fully equipped. “All they need to do is bring their own personal tools, décor and clients,” Finer said.
One of the major benefits, he said, is that a single suite can hold only one or two operators, which means more personalized, one-on-one attention for the client.
Hairstylist Bonita Selman, owner of BGS Hair Studio, said renting space allows her to offer a higher level of individualized service.
“It’s more privacy, and my clients love it,” Selman said. “They say it’s better than they ever expected it to be.”
Selman has outfitted her suite with hair-care products, handbags, scarves, hair clips, earrings and watches for sale.
Robin Landry, an esthetician who operates Skin Unique, said her clients appear to love the SALONZ concept, too.
“They don’t have to deal with the noise from hair dryers and people socializing,” she said.
Landry said she has created her own oasis, with hanging draperies, soothing music and candles. From inside her suite, she offers three skin-care lines.
Kunnee Chew, a massage therapist and owner of Healthtune Up and Chi Revive, said being at SALONZ gives her the chance to “do my own thing and be my own boss”.
She also enjoys working with other professionals. “Everyone is very nice and friendly,” Chew said. “I get referrals from the other tenants.”
As seen in VIVE magazine, APRIL/MAY 2009…
SALONZ Beauty Suites is a unique salon concept – an elegant beauty mall – made up of over 25 independent hair, nail, skin and massage specialists. For the discerning customer, Salonz can offer two distinct moods under one roof – the most personalized, private salon experience possible, or a stimulating, social environment. How? Each health and beauty professional operates from their very own, private salon suite, setting their own prices and hours, and making their own appointments to ensure you’ll always have a direct connection.
As the first suite-rental concept of its kind in South Florida, Salonz began a trend considered to be the future of the salon industry. To allow beauty pros to take control of their lives and service their clients in style, the first Salonz opened in 2003 with 25 suites at Sheridan Plaza in Hollywood. That success led to two more locations in 2007 – a 32 suite facility at Flagler Park Plaza in South Miami, and a 29 suite facility at the upscale Legacy Place in Palm Beach Gardens. The concept is now expanding to offer this ‘best of all worlds’ opportunity to beauty pros and clients in Boca Raton, North Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Pembroke Pines. The SALONZ environment satisfies all your health and beauty needs for a complete salon/spa experience. Visit our website at www.SalonzBeautySuites.com and check out the directory of health and beauty providers under any of our 3 locations.
Is your beautician or massage therapist unhappy where they work? Turn them on to this great opportunity…they won’t stop thanking you! Call the leasing office at 954-447-1412 or visit SALONZ Beauty Suites locations in Hollywood, Miami and in Legacy Place at 11300 Legacy Avenue (off of PGA Blvd) in Palm Beach Gardens.
